What’s on this week: 16-21 June

Culture

13:02 16/06/2018

Our top picks of culture and activities in and around Brussels

The Artists Studio’s Tour of Forest includes an exhibition at the Brass Cultural Centre of small format works, specially created by the participating artists. Don’t forget to pick up the free but essential guide map. Until 24 June, Brass, 364 Avenue Van Volxem, Forest

Another day in Belgium, and another new beer. This latest one is a Brussels brew called La Bicyclette and it’s made with Irish whiskey. Why not! For a tipple, go along to the launch party at Contrebande. Saturday 16 June, Place Fernand Cocq, 16.00-23:30

The City of Brussels wants to help you grow your own in town. It’s running some info sessions next week. On Monday: Tips on Growing a Pesticide Free Vegetable Garden. On Tuesday: How to Make your Own Vermicomposter. Open to all Brussels Region inhabitants. For information and registration, 02 672 14 27 or cultiverenville@environnement.brussels. 18 & 19 June

For a dive into the vibe of the 1960s, head to downtown bookshop gallery Les Editeurs for an exhibition of previously unpublished photos of The Beatles. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Dan!showsimages snapped during the recording of the White Album 50 years ago. It may be difficult to imagine there are still unpublished photos of The Beatles, but 18 year-old Dan Lacksman celebrated the end of his studies by strapping on his backpack and heading to London with the only goal of meeting The Beatles. The result is these evocative and retro images. Until 30 June, Rue de Flandre 23

Enjoy the tastes, sounds and colours of the sub-continent at the Hôtel Châtelain’s Indian Week. To mark the 70th anniversary of Belgo-Indian diplomatic relations, the hotel is hosting a week of activities, including Indian menus, music and yoga. 18-24 June, Châtelain Hotel Brussels

Combine your love for running and the city of Brussels by taking part in the fourth edition of the Brussels Urban Trail on Sunday June 24. The non- competitive race is designed as a unique way for runners and hikers to discover the Belgian capital by visiting cultural and historical sites. Find yourself navigating cinemas, bars and metro stations, with the additional challenges of staircases to overcome. Starting and finishing in the historical centre, this year’s trail focuses on the Parc du Cinquantenaire and the European district. Sign up here.

Two concurrent shows at Bozar couldn’t be more different. First Somewhere In Between is a cross-Europe show, “Both a meditation on the identity of East and West and an attempt to gather stories, experiences, relations and encounters from a wide range of artists, curators and other engaged individuals.” Secondly, Brussels-based US expat resident Charlemagne Palestine is behind AA SSCHMMETTRROOSSPPECCTIVVE, an installation where, “Totemic divinities and other beings from a magical universe, visual and aural, chaotic, shamanic and radical at the same time.” Somewhere In between, 20 June-19 August; Charlemagne Palestine, Until 26 August; 23 Rue Ravenstein, Brussels

The first edition of the Brussels International Film Festival starts on Wednesday with a Belgian exclusive, a screening of Terry Gilliam’s long-awaited movie The Man who Killed Don Quixote. The festival promises competitions, retrospectives, red carpet glamour - guest of honour is Claudia Cardinale - free open-air screenings, live concerts, and much more in a relaxed, convivial, fun and festive atmosphere throughout the eleven days of the festival. Check out the full programme. 20 to 30 June, several venues

If it’s the summer solstice, then it’s Fête de la Musique, an annual musical celebration across Brussels and Wallonia and it’s all free. A total of 101 concerts will be performed in dozens of venues, including outdoor stages, parks, public spaces, arts centres, and bars and cafés. 21-24 June, Brussels and Wallonia

Outside Brussels

It’s the 25th edition of the Nuit Africaine in the Bois des Rêves (the Woods of Dreams) in Ottignies, Brabant Walloon. Performing on two stages are artists from all over Africa and the African diaspora. Lots of activities and food in the festival village. June 23, from 14.00, Domaine provincial Bois du Rêves, Ottignies

The port city of Antwerp is never short of attractions, but at this time of year, don’t miss out on Summer of Antwerp. The celebrations are so numerous and diverse that it’s more like 10 festivals in one. There are the special locations – the Zomerfabriek, a pop-up bar and club hidden in an industrial zone; the Zomerbar in the harbour area, with food, drink, activities and a mobile library; and the stadium seating known as Zonsondergang (Sunset), where you can get a front-row seat and a barbecue pit for a lovely end to the day. The rest of the festival is devoted to theatre, circus and music, with many free performances. Until 2 September, Across Antwerp